Compact discs (CDs) are optical discs that store digital data. The data is digitally encoded on the disc as a series of microscopic indentations—called "pits"—on an otherwise polished surface. The disc is read by a laser beam, which is either absorbed in the pits or reflected off the non-indented areas, called "lands." After the music CD was introduced in 1982, it quickly surpassed records and cassette tapes as the music storage medium of choice. What album was the first to be released on CD?More...

One of China's greatest generals and patriotic heroes, Yue helped establish a southern foothold for the Song dynasty while preventing the advance of the Juchen, who had taken the former Song capital in the north. However, his attempt to recapture the lost territory was opposed by one of the emperor's counselors, who earned a reputation as a traitor for relinquishing the north to the Juchen and having Yue executed. According to legend, what phrase did Yue's mother tattoo across his back?More...

Born to an influential Chinese family, Soong was educated in the US. She returned to China, became prominent in revolutionary politics, and married Sun Yat-sen, a revolutionary 26 years her senior now known as the father of modern China. She and her sisters—along with their husbands, including Chiang Kai-shek—became some of the most significant political figures in the Communist government, with Soong becoming vice chair after Sun's death. What magazine, still in publication, did she found?More...

Quotation of the Day

Have you ever noticed that there are people who do things which are most indelicate, and yet at the same time—beautiful?

A 164-foot reproduction pirate ship sails up Florida's Tampa Bay, and about 500 costumed pirates lower themselves over the side and "capture" the city of Tampa, raising the pirate flag over city hall. Thus begins the Gasparilla Pirate Festival, one of the nation's largest and best-attended celebrations. The mock invasion is followed by a three-hour victory parade featuring members of a men's club known as Ye Mystic Krewe. The festival is named for José Gaspar, an 18th-century Spanish pirate who terrorized the Florida coast from around 1783 until his death in 1821.More...

New Hampshire wildlife officials are considering proposing a ban on chocolate as bear bait after four black bears were found dead last September near a trapping site where nearly 100 pounds (45 kg) of chocolate and doughnuts were left as bait. An autopsy revealed that the bears overdosed on theobromine, a naturally occurring toxic ingredient found in chocolate. Bears are especially drawn to sweets when building up their fat stores for hibernation. The proposal may call for an outright ban on chocolate as bait, or it may recommend a limit on its use.More...

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